"Is it something concerning Monsieur Adhémar? I insist upon your telling me, and telling me instantly!"
"Well, Lucien said: 'It's a pity that Adhémar will never believe that anyone loves him; it is true that he has been deceived so often by his mistresses that it may well have made him distrustful; but he carries it too far now; he has sworn never to love any woman again.'"
"That's a drunken man's oath, my dear love," said Nathalie, with a smile; "and that young man isn't old enough to keep it."
"But tell me, my dear, is there anything new? Have you had no news?"
"Of whom?"
"You know to whom I refer."
"Oh! yes, I understand; but, really, my adventure with Monsieur Adhémar has made me entirely forget the person you speak of. No, thank heaven, I haven't seen him again!"
"I am so glad! when I think of him, do you know, I am always afraid for you."
"What a child you are!"
At that moment, Madame Mirotaine II entered the room.